Dr. Darryl Hogue, Superintendent of River Bend CUSD #2, has been named a “2020 Superintendent of Distinction” by his colleagues, in the Northwest Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA.) Hogue was honored at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, October 8. IASA originally planned to recognize 21 Superintendents of Distinction at a luncheon in Springfield, IL, in May, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow Superintendents in the Region, because much of our work in northwest Illinois is a regional approach to sharing resources and problem solving,” said Hogue. He has been an Educator for 25 years and has served as Superintendent in River Bend for seven. “I believe we can do so much more for our communities, if we approach education initiatives regionally.”
The Northwest Region is comprised of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Ogle, Whiteside, and Lee Counties.
Those nominating Hogue noted a number of successes during his tenure. He
- worked with area school district and employers to become a 60 by 25 Leadership Community (MORE- Making Opportunities Real for Everyone) in which the district works to connect students to opportunities throughout northwest Illinois.
- implemented competency educational strategies in the spring and fall of 2019.
- expanded dual credit and found community resources to offset the cost of dual credit.
- oversaw renovations to Fulton Elementary School, River Bend Middle School, and Fulton High School; that provided new learning opportunities to students and enhanced safety.
- collaborated with employers in the Fulton and Clinton, IA, Regions, to form the River Bend Workforce Collaborative, which seeks to determine how Fulton High School can better impact the community and our local employers.
“Each Superintendent of Distinction was nominated by peers in their Regions based, on their commitment, dedication, and leadership,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “These extraordinary individuals truly provide exceptional leadership that elevates the success of students in their Districts and are difference makers in their communities.”
Hogue and his wife, Kathryn, have four children.
The virtual ceremony was again sponsored by Horace Mann, one of the Nation’s largest insurers focusing on the needs of educators. “We are proud to recognize these Superintendents of Distinction who are creative, dedicated, inspiring, and who consistently create strong learning environments in their Districts,” said Marita Zuraitis, Horace Mann President and Chief Executive Officer